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Australia's leading women's tennis player has opted to take a break for the remainder of the 2025 season, stating she is at her “psychological and emotional breaking point.”

Factors Leading to the Announcement

Daria Kasatkina, who recently changed her nationality from Russia to Australia, credited the transition for contributing to considerable “emotional and mental stress.”

Further contributors consisted of the ongoing difficulty of being distant from her relatives and the grueling circuit routine.

“I haven't been okay for a extended duration and, honestly speaking, my on-court achievements show it,” she posted on social media.

She stated, “Truth is, I've reached my limit and can't continue. I must take a hiatus. A rest from the tedious cycle of the tennis circuit, the constant packing, the outcomes, the pressure, the familiar opponents (my apologies, everyone), everything that comes with this existence.”

Personal Struggles and Return Plans

“I can only handle I can manage and cope with as a person, all whilst competing with the leading players in the world.”

“Should this be seen as weakness, then that's acceptable, I'm weak. However, I am confident in my resilience and will get stronger by taking time off, resting, regrouping and renewing. It's time I heeded my own needs for a change, my mind, my heart and my physical self.”

She chose to switch nationality after leaving Russia due to apprehensions about her well-being, having openly opposed the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the invasion of Ukraine. First living in the Middle East, she moved to her new home and obtained permanent residency in March.

She then announced her engagement to longtime girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako, who previously earned a silver medal for her former team at the 2018 Winter Olympics after initially participating for her native Estonia.

Kasatkina further mentioned she has been separated from her dad, who still lives in her homeland, for four years.

Career Context

A French Open semi-finalist in the past, the player had finished the previous four seasons in the elite group but is presently ranked 19th after a modest season where she secured 19 victories against 21 defeats.

She is projected to fall from the top 20 by the time the home major begins.

The professional athlete confirmed she will return in 2026, “recharged and motivated,” with the preparation for her home grand slam expected to be a comeback goal.

Broader Implications

The nation's next best competitor is a rising star, holding the 35th position.

The Australian No. 1 is the most recent top WTA competitor to cut short their year, following two other stars, amid a growing pattern of players retiring mid-match.

The Women's Tennis Association mandates elite athletes to compete in a set number of tournaments, encompassing the major tournaments, 10 WTA 1,000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.

But top-ranked player the Polish star commented last month, “It's just impossible to accommodate everything the schedule. Perhaps I will have to pick some competitions and skip them, even though they are obligatory.

“We must think carefully about it - perhaps ignoring about the rules and just consider what's beneficial for us.”